Laura felt a weight lift from her. All her fears had been validated. She smiled gratefully at Hugh Mackenzie. ‘I have to admit, I’d started to doubt myself.’

‘Relax, Laura. And our Freddie might yet convince me otherwise.’ He laughed. ‘Although I very much doubt it.’

Sam looked at his watch. ‘We can head over to Saltern-le-Fen whenever you’re ready. Or we can wait till after lunch — he’s not going anywhere right now.’

Hugh stood up. ‘Oh, let’s go now. And then if you’re up to it, Laura, I’ll treat you both to lunch.’

Laura gently touched her still swollen head. ‘Thanks, but I’d better sit this one out. You and Sam go.’

‘We’ll ring you when we’re through at the station,’ Sam said, looking concerned. ‘Are you okay?’

‘I’m fine, honestly,’ she assured him. ‘It’s probably excitement. I’ve never been so happy to hand over a patient.’ She exhaled. ‘I’m going to go and put my feet up. I’m still supposed to be following hospital instructions, so don’t fret.’

After they had left, Laura had a sudden urge to ring Jackman, but she knew today was important, so she sent a text telling him she loved him.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Marie felt stiff and her joints had begun to ache. She had spent most of the past hour on her haunches on the concrete quayside, making sure to be in full view of Davy.

The negotiator was good, probably one of the best she’d heard, but even so, he was getting nowhere. She stretched her aching shoulders and stood up, reluctant to move out of Davy’s sight, but she had to talk to Jackman. She mouthed, ‘I’ll be back,’ and sprinted over to where Jackman was deep in conversation with Superintendent Ruth Crooke.

‘It’s a long shot, Super, but please hear me out.’ She turned to Jackman. ‘This can’t go on much longer. Any minute, he’s going to blow. Ring Dr Bourne and tell him to get Christopher’s foster father to bring him down here. If Jordan sees that his real son is still alive, we might be able to save Davy.’

Ruth dismissed her suggestion as preposterous. Jackman listened to each of them in silence. He said, ‘Marie is right, Ruth. Christopher has been going on about seeing his father for a while now. I’m sure that if it’s explained to him in the right way, he’ll want to help. He’s not a baby anymore, and he needs to put that part of his life behind him. I say yes. Will you sanction it?’

Those thin lips of hers almost disappeared. Ruth took a deep breath, then nodded. ‘Ring Bourne and get me the address and I’ll get a fast car to them. I just hope this doesn’t go bloody tits up, that’s all. They’ll crucify us.’